August 19, 2009
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secret things
Does this ever happen to you, that you sense a troubled spirit in some people and you desire to ask them how they're doing, but then for some particular reason or other you realize that asking them would cause problems / would be unedifying / would cause them consternation / etc, so you repress the desire, and just keep quiet or smile/nod/say 'hi', and then the only thing one can do is walk away and pray for them ... ? It happens to me so frequently... like several times per week. It is so frustrating! I find myself longing for the day in heaven when such strictures will vaporize and everything will be revealed (and all interpersonal communications will be free/open/easy/joyful/pure/perfect):
"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." (Luke 12:2-3)
"Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Another thought, from last week or so... Like most people perhaps, I fight a constant battle against mildew. Shower curtains, towels, dishware, counters, etc etc. The basic weapon is quite simple -- access to fresh air. Place a towel where it can dry, and it won't mildew. Scrunch up a shower curtain so it stays wet, and it will grow mildew within a few days. Leave a cup upside down and wet, and it will mildew. Move it so that a crack of fresh air can get in, and it will dry cleanly.
I think it's the same with accountability and secret sins. When one keeps them secret, they stay alive and fester and grow. When one is open with trusted godly friends about them, they begin to wither. My own journeys into deeply open relationships with godly friends has been wonderful. God has granted huge mercy to me, as I am a very sinful person. "God [has been] merciful to me, a sinner" (cf. Luke 18:13, Matt 18:27, 1 Tim. 1:15)
Relatedly, one can accurately guess who is struggling with secret sins, because those people have an outward "all is perfect" demeanor and attitude.... These are the people who I really pray for, with sadness, because they are on the road to huge public failure. This is why people in christian leadership positions need such prayer, because when you're at the "top of a pyramid", unless you actively invite accountability into your life, people will tend not to hold you accountable and secret sin will grow (this is another reason God established plurality of eldership in churches rather than the single pastor or pope model...)
On the other hand, with people who are open and honest about their failings, one understands that 'what you see is what you get'... these people I pray for with joy, because they are on the road to healing and life. When one "surrenders one's reputation to God", wonderful things happen.
Of course, just because someone doesn't share their sins with you doesn't necessarily indicate anything (the person may not trust you or feel close with you)... but if one can see that they are accountable to other godly friends, that is a very good situation.
And the people who are on the road to huge public failure? Even then, God's plans are perfect.... cf. David's, Peter's, Moses', others' sins recorded in the Bible, and how God used each situation to bring great good and to bring that person closer to Himself in humility and ultimate joy..... (that is, if the person is one of God's elect... or, otherwise, the person demonstrates God's justice through their demise... Cain, Absalom, Esau, etc)
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16
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